Chapter 87

87 – Swift Moves (1)

The unprecedented incident of a cardinal murdering the pope shocked the entire empire. People were both outraged and grieved by the tragic death of a pope who had long been respected by all.

Under normal circumstances, the temple would have been busy preparing for the funeral, but now it is preoccupied with investigating the incident. The Emperor had not yet issued an official statement of mourning.

“This is a headache.”

Callion muttered, pressing his temples. He had refused all requests for meetings and was holed up in his office with Adelaide, focusing on understanding the situation.

“Everyone seems to think this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment incident.”

Adelaide said, putting down a newspaper she had thoroughly reviewed right after the incident occurred. The article, likely written by Martin Owens, had a harsh and aggressive tone.

The newspaper lamented that the temple had turned into a battleground for power struggles, resulting in this dreadful outcome. It called for swift reform of the temple and severe punishment for those responsible for this tragedy.

“The details are vague, which suggests that the temple’s security is tight.”

“Well, given that they closed the temple as soon as the incident became known and announced that they were conducting their own investigation, it seems there was no internal turmoil.”

Callion, agreeing with her, glanced at the newspaper before looking away.

The article speculated that Cardinal Orland had murdered the pope out of resentment for not succeeding in the papacy, but the situation was far more complicated.

Combining letters from the Imperial Council and secret messages from the temple, it was clear that Cardinal Orland’s motive was deeply tied to the regalia.

The weapon used to murder the pope resembled the regalia, and the box containing the regalia donated by Callion was found open at the scene, leaving no room for doubt.

“It doesn’t make sense. Cardinal Orland didn’t seem like someone who would act so recklessly.”

“He must have felt desperate with the papal election imminent. Elkius too.”

“Even so, how could he harm His Holiness…”

Callion sighed bitterly.

While it was good news that the Pope had endangered himself by trying to secure the regalia, it was disheartening that he lost his life because of it.

Moreover, the use of the regalia as a murder weapon could tarnish its significance. As if reading his thoughts, Adelaide spoke.

“The murder weapon was a fake regalia, so the true regalia’s value remains intact.”

“Even so, with the regalia involved in the incident, it’s bound to attract scandal.”

“I understand your concerns, but this incident will draw more attention to the culprit than to the weapon, so don’t worry too much.”

Adelaide poured tea, her calm and elegant demeanor providing a soothing effect on Callion’s nerves.

“Would you like some?”

Callion took a sip of the tea at her invitation. Adelaide patiently waited for him to savor the taste before asking.

“How is it?”

“…It’s very sour and bitter. What kind of tea is this?”

“It’s Noxia tea. I added lemon juice to mask the awful taste, but if it’s still not to your liking, I can add honey.”

“No, that’s fine. Adding honey might make it worse.”

Callion waved his hand, setting the teacup down.

“I tried making pudding with it, but its dark color made it unappealing. I’m considering making mulled wine next time.”

Adelaide said, lifting her teacup. Watching her, Callion chuckled and asked.

“Have you finished cultivating Noxia already?”

“We’re still in the process, but the first batch of leaves sprouted, so I had them sent over. I wanted to check how effective they are.”

“I’ve heard Noxia is hard to cultivate artificially, but the priests at the Therminas Temple are quite skilled.”

“They must take after Cardinal Dorfman’s resourcefulness.”

Adelaide replied with a light laugh. Just as Callion nodded, someone knocked on the office door.

“Your Grace, it’s Lucid.”

“Come in.”

Lucid entered the office, having returned from his outing, and had been busy filling in for Julian, who had been absent from Templar affairs lately.

“We have secured the blacksmith who made the fake regalia.”

“Have you handed him over to the temple?”

“Yes, I subtly informed the temple’s inspection team, and they arrested him immediately.”

“And the instruction to prevent contact with Cardinal Orland?”

“The inspection priest assured me that Cardinal Orland is confined to the confessional, and the blacksmith will be interrogated in the inner chamber, so you need not worry.”

Lucid reported efficiently, putting Callion somewhat at ease. The situation was fraught with complications, but at least the immediate steps were being handled with precision and care.

Callion felt relieved by Lucid’s answer and asked, “Is there still no reaction from the Imperial Palace?”

“Right after the incident, the Imperial Knights went to the temple, but Cardinal Dorfman dismissed them, saying it was an internal matter. Since then, there have been no suspicious movements.”

“So, Cardinal Dorfman has taken control of the temple.”

“That seems to be the case. Rumor has it that in the emergency meeting held after the Pope’s death, Cardinal Dorfman was elected as the interim Pope. They plan to elevate him to the position of the next Pope once this matter is resolved.”

“I see.”

Callion’s serious expression softened slightly. Until a moment ago, he had been worried that if Samuel Dorfman became Pope, he might offer the regalia to Elkius.

Given Dorfman’s cunning nature, it was possible he might choose a certain present over an uncertain future.

“As I told you, he’s not foolish enough to destroy his own legitimacy.”

Adelaide, who had been quietly listening, interjected softly. Callion glanced at her briefly before asking again.

“Do you know what happened to the regalia?”

“I’m not sure about that.”

Lucid shook his head. The public narrative was that Cardinal Orland’s crime stemmed from his resentment over losing the position of the next Pope, so there was no reason to reveal the whereabouts of the regalia.

However, for Callion, who was the original owner of the regalia, its whereabouts were a perfect excuse to visit the temple.

“It seems we should visit the temple first.”

“Wait a moment, Your Grace.”

Adelaide interrupted cautiously as Callion began to rise.

“With the investigation into Cardinal Orland still ongoing, visiting the temple now might make it appear as though you’re trying to interfere. Shouldn’t you handle the urgent matters first?”

“Urgent matters?”

Adelaide smiled faintly and picked up a letter from the desk, handing it to him.

“Sir Lucid, could you deliver this letter to Martin Owens?”

“May I ask what this letter is about?”

“It’s a love letter.”

“Excuse me?”

Lucid blinked in disbelief, unable to comprehend the context of delivering a love letter during such a crisis.

“Pardon me, but Your Grace, is this truly urgent?”

“What could be more urgent than the matters of a young couple in love?”

Adelaide smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling.

“Please deliver it by today.”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Late in the evening, a black carriage left the capital. Though it bore no crest or insignia, no one found it odd given the mourning period.

Drawn by two black horses, the carriage quietly entered a small mansion under the cover of darkness. A man and woman stepped out of the carriage, looking around nervously, before knocking on the door of the mansion.

A man with his face covered in black cloth answered the door. After confirming the crumpled invitation the woman handed him, he let them inside.

“Wait here.”

The man led them to an empty room and left. The middle-aged man, trembling incessantly, looked around the room anxiously and finally spoke.

“This… this is the right place, isn’t it?”

“No doubt about it. You saw the invitation too.”

Countess Owens responded, her voice steadying her husband, Chadwick Owens, who asked nervously.

“What if we can’t get it here either?”

“They said it’s here, so let’s wait.”

“Even if they have it, can we afford it…?”

“We’ll do whatever it takes. Negotiate, plead, or even… kill.”

“K-Kill? My dear…”

Count Owens stammered, his wife’s resolute expression showing her disdain for his weakness. Since being introduced to Velido by the Emperor, Chadwick Owens has become addicted, clouding his judgment and draining their finances.

After the death of Marquis Flanders, the price of Velido had skyrocketed, and the dwindling supply made it almost impossible to obtain, no matter the cost. With Elkius’s Velido fields discovered and shut down, obtaining the substance had become even more challenging.

If he could quit, it would be ideal, but Count Owens was now a severe addict, unable to sleep without Velido.

‘We shouldn’t have listened to the Emperor’s suggestion to try Velido back then.’

Elkius Isulandt had ensnared Count Owens in addiction, slowly siphoning the Owens family’s wealth. Now, all they had left was an empty iron mine and a townhouse.

Countess Owens anxiously fingered the money pouch she had brought, waiting for someone to appear.

After a long wait, footsteps finally echoed. Countess Owens quickly turned her head, recognizing the woman who entered.

“It’s been a while, Count Owens.”

“…Adelaide Cornwall?”